Types of Financial Aid Available

Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Loans are the major form of financial aid for law students. Any regularly eligible student enrolled at least half-time may borrow these loans, for up to $20,500 per academic year. The maximum annual combined loan limit will be the lesser of $20,500, or the cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Origination fees for this loan are 1.066% effective for loans first disbursed between 10/1/17 and 10/1/18. The interest rate for this loan is a variable fixed rate that is reset each year on June 1st and is capped at 9.5%. Please see below for interest rate details. For further information (including sample repayment options) about Federal Direct Loans, go to studentloans.gov.

Federal Graduate Plus Loans

Graduate students are eligible to borrow under the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan must be applied for first. The terms and conditions include that applicants must not have an adverse credit history, repayment begins on the date of the last disbursement of the loan (students still in school may request deferment/forbearance to postpone repayment), 4.264% loan fees are charged for loans first disbursed between 10/1/17 and 10/1/18, and the interest rate is a variable fixed rate that is reset each year on June 1st and is capped at 10.5%. Please see below for interest rate details. These loans will be helpful for those students in the 3-year program or others who would otherwise rely on private loans to cover their educational expenses above tuition and fees. Unlike private loans, PLUS loans are usually easier to qualify for, federally regulated, and able to be consolidated with Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans upon graduation. Further information can be found at studentloans.gov.

The Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013

Retroactive to 7/1/13, the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 amends the Direct Loan interest rate section of the Higher Education Act. There are now new formulas that apply to all Direct Loans – including graduate Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS.

Each year, the interest rate will be determined by the 10-year Treasury note (T) auctioned at the final auction held prior to June 1, plus a statutorily defined “add-on”. The rate will then be effective for loans disbursed on or after July 1 of that year. The rate formula add-on will be T + 3.60% for graduate unsubsidized loans and T + 4.60% for Graduate PLUS loans. Loans first disbursed on or after 7/1/17 will be at 6% for Federal Direct Unsubsidized and 7% for Grad PLUS loans. The interest rate, once established, will apply for the life of the loan. As a result, it is likely that many borrowers will have a set of fixed-rate loans, each with a different interest rate.

NOTE: Just because you CAN borrow maximum loan amounts does not mean you SHOULD. Please review your budget carefully and only borrow what you absolutely need. Loan totals add up quickly, as does accruing interest. Do not saddle yourself with an unmanageable loan debt that you may not be able to easily repay once you leave school.

Scholarships

Each year a number of SJCL scholarships are awarded. Information is sent to students each February with instructions for applying. Private groups outside San Joaquin College of Law also offer scholarships to SJCL students. Scholarship information is forwarded to students via their student email account. For further information about scholarships, contact the
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Federal Work-Study

This is a need-based federal program that provides job opportunities to eligible students who wish to earn money to assist with educational expenses. Jobs are available on a limited basis and most require the completion of the first year of law school to qualify. The school receives a federal grant to pay a portion of the wages for the positions that the school administers. See
Career Services for available job postings

When will I receive the Financial Aid funds?

No financial aid can be disbursed until all financial aid documents are complete. Federal Direct loan disbursements are made to the school in equal payments at the beginning of each term. The first disbursement is approximately 7 days after the start of each term of the academic year. Check with the accounting office for issue dates of overage checks (amounts over what is owed to the school for tuition and fees). NOTE: Book purchases must be made using your own resources. Tuition payments can be delayed until your financial aid has been received.

Additional Financial Aid Information

Additional information on the financial aid programs can be found at
www.studentaid.ed.gov and at
www.studentloans.gov including sample loan repayment options and loan entrance counseling information for both Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans and Graduate PLUS loans. If you have any further questions about financial aid policies or the application process contact Jeannie Lewis at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or (559) 326-1460 for assistance.